BY: KATHY MCDONALD
It’s graduation season and I have prepared for this as I always have. As a family we had our usual family meeting then I said my farewells to my family. Yes, I am preparing to attend over twenty farewell assemblies and graduations in five days. So, first let me thank my entire family for their tireless support because for the duration of the school year they are on their own! I would like to leave all students that are transitioning to another academic adventure with some words of encouragement and some food for thought.
Whether you’re going from elementary to high school or from high school to post-secondary or to the working world, whatever changes in your academic journey students encounter, it is my sincere wish that students never stop learning. In this ever-changing, rapidly changing world it’s of utmost importance to keep learning. I strongly encourage everyone to adopt a posture conducive to lifelong learning. Every day as I send my children out the door one of my daily directives is to “learn something new today”. Keeping an open mind and a willingness to learn and try new exploits and experiences often not only benefits the mind but it can restore the soul and rejuvenate the body.
For many students as they move on, they will be leaving some friends behind. This is a great opportunity to venture out of their comfort zone, meet new friends and explore activities they have never tried before. I have listened to Ohenewa Akuffo, one of Brampton’s greatest athletes speak on several occasions. This former Olympian and highly decorated wrestler will often muse about her adventure in the wrestling arena. The Canadian born daughter of Ghanaian immigrants dared to try something new. Miss Akuffo never dreamed as a young girl of becoming a wrestler, she just decided one day to give the sport a try. Look where she landed, on top of the podium on numerous occasions. Miss Akuffo has earned several medals during the World Championships, the Commonwealth Games, the Pan American Games, and the World Student Games to name a few.
When things get tough DON’T QUIT. Another integral part of Miss Akuffo’s story is that she made a commitment to stay the course, even when things got rough. Too often I encounter students that quit when things don’t go their way. Stay the course. It is important to note that during the journey of life we all encounter hiccups or mishaps. Embrace these learning opportunities and forge on ahead. Don’t be afraid of minor setbacks or catastrophic failures. They can be great learning opportunities. Don’t buy into the phenomenon of “an overnight success”. These so-called overnight successes have attributed to individuals that have been toiling tirelessly through the days and nights prior to their bout with success.
Social media. Yes, social media. This is the biggest game changer that students face today. While it has its absolutely positive benefits it also has several negative effects, especially when not used appropriately. Too many times our students and I dare include parents in this conversation, utilize social media inappropriately. Too much time on social media is devoted to comparing ourselves with others. The anonymity of social media also empowers some individuals to be plain old mean. In my opinion, it’s not a coincidence that mental health appears to be increasing in our students at a rapid pace. I came across a quote, on social media, which says “When we compete with others we become bitter but when we compete with ourselves we become better”. I implore students, parents, and guardians to use social media responsibly for your own sanity. Talk, pick up the phone or have a face to face conversation. Reconnect in person with people. Humans were designed for physical interactions our mental health depends on it. The negative effects of loneliness and isolation are well documented so get off of social media from time to time. Get outside.
It’s so important to get outside and get fresh air to get physically active and exercise. Also, well documented is the positive effects of exercising. A simple daily walk can be so beneficial to one’s well-being. On the Mayo Clinics website, some of the benefits of a daily walk include; improving one’s mood, improving one’s balance and coordination, preventing and managing heart disease, high blood pressure and type 2 diabetes, strengthening of bones and muscles and maintaining a healthy weight. In my next article, I will discuss some suggestions and highlight some summer activities parents can use to boost learning.
In the final analysis when all is said and done I often remind students to be kind. It is important to observe the golden rule: “Do unto others as you have them do unto you”, in today’s world where a simple tweet or a defamatory comment can circle the globe in seconds. So, journey with me as we strive to make the next phase of all students going on a different adventure a successful experience. Walk Good. Belle Marché!
